When Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of Saturday’s main event against lightweight champion Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), the UFC needed a replacement opponent. The two most worthy candidates were Dariush (22-6-1 MMA, 16-6 UFC) and Renato Moicano, who were scheduled to face each other on the main card.

It appears that a rematch is going to be next for Islam Makhachev, but it’s not the rematch that was scheduled for this past Saturday. A visibly annoyed Dana White said in the UFC 311 post-fight press conference that Arman Tsarukyan lost his opportunity and he would have to fight back to a title shot.

UFC 311 was a wild ride. Islam Makhachev and Jiri Prochazka were among the four main card acts to score stoppages. Even the one fight that went the distance was memorable as Merab Dvalishvili showed inspiring will against Umar Nurmagomedov.

Plenty of fighters like to say they will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev actually did it. Under less-than-ideal circumstances, Makhachev retained his title af

Islam Makhachev made short work of Renato Moicano at UFC 311 but it is a victory that will live long in the memory. Moicano, a late replacement for the injured Arman Tsarukyan, was the latest victim to be on the receiving end of a Makhachev mauling,

After making short work of Renato Moicano Saturday night in the UFC 311 main event, Islam Makhachev is already targeting who he would want to defend his lightweight title in his next fight. Makhachev did a backstage interview with the UFC in Inglewood,